ZEIST, the Netherlands - The combination of economic and political challenges created difficult times for the international bicycle industry. However, for financial specialist Ralf Kindermann the component of green mobility still makes the bicycle industry highly attractive for investors. What other trends in the market, including the digitalisation in the supply chain, the current oversupply in combination with price increase and sustainability will lead the market this year?

VIENNA, Austria - Even though the Austrian 2023 bicycle market recorded a double-digit drop in both volume and value sales compared to the previous year, there are several positives to point out. Sales topped €1 billion for the third consecutive year in a row and e-bikes now account for three quarters of the market value. Leasing and investments in cycling infrastructure are also positively influencing the market.

SUZHOU, China - For e-drive manufacturer Bafang Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd, 2023 was a very challenging year. According to the company's financial report their performance was affected negatively due to geopolitical conflicts, inflation, slowing consumer demand and high inventory among their customers.

REGAU, Austria - Contract manufacturer WSF Bicycle Technology GmbH applied for insolvency on 24 April. The challenging market situation in the bicycle industry has resulted in financial problems for yet another company.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Combining fashion and function, Roxim offers a wide portfolio of front and rear lights for different bicycle categories. At Taipei Cycle Show 2024, the Taiwanese company presented the new ZX5E featuring Oled technology.

CAMBIAGO, Italy - 2023 has been a very good year for Colnago Ernesto & C. S.r.l. looking at the publication of their 2023 financial report. The iconic Italian brand hiked their revenue by 33% to €55.7 million.

VILNIUS, Lithuania - Construction company YIT Lithuania has handed over the keys of the newly built Pon.Bike bicycle factory in the Kedainiai Free Economic Zone in Lithuania. over the next 5 to 6 months Pon.Bike will prepare the new facility for production.

TUSCON, USA - Approximately 260 industry executives attended the Bicycle Leadership Conference (BLC) this year which given the tough past year demonstrates the vitality and commitment to this annual meeting of the minds of the US cycling industry. It was a special occasion, the 25th anniversary year of People for Bikes and Tim Blumenthal, founder and cycling supporter Congressman Earl Blumenauer, 3rd District of Oregon were special guests and speakers.

JAKARTA, Indonesia - More than 90 leading exhibitors from two-wheeler companies are gearing up for the premiere of Asiabike Jakarta at the Jakarta International Expo from April 30 - May 4, 2024. Organised in partnership with Eurobike jointly by Messe Frankfurt, Periklindo (Indonesian Electric Vehicle Industry Association), Pt. Dyandra Promosindo and Jiangsu Bicycle Co Ltd.

美國，帕克城（PARK CITY）－在三位創辦人決定將Kona Bicycles 售給Kent Outdoors後僅經過兩年半，新東家便決定將該知名加拿大自行車品牌出售。市場在2022年初開始急遽變化，Kona同許多其他自行車品牌一樣也受到影響，無法實現對未來自行車市場的高度期望。

義大利，貝爾加莫（BERGAMO）－美國Trek已關閉義其大利子公司，並由新成立的Trek South Europe來經營該塊市場。該公司於一份簡短新聞稿中宣布，創立其第五間重要歐洲子公司，其他四間分別是GAS（德奧瑞）、BLX（荷比盧）、Nordics和UK+。

柬埔寨，金邊（PHNOM PENH）－去年開始，市場對柬埔寨生產的自行車需求量大幅減少，且目前此勢未減。該國海關總局（General Department of Customs and Excise）一份報告顯示，該國今年Q1自行車出口值年減43%。

比利時，布魯塞爾（BRUSSELS）－去年比利時自行車銷量減少超過18%，根據Traxio和市場調研機構GfK共同分享的數據顯示，銷量從近70萬減至569,605輛。不過，長期來看無須擔憂。電動自行車是該國市場的主角，專業零售商在銷售中亦扮演重要角色。

PARK CITY, USA - Only two and a half year after the three founders sold Kona Bicycles to Kent Outdoors, the new owner has put the iconic Canadian bicycle brand up for sale. Due to drastic market changes since early 2022, Kona, like so many other bicycle brands, could not live up to the high expectations set for the future cycling market.

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - One individual and two companies have been found guilty of evading customs duties on the importation of e-bikes from China. The case was investigated and prosecuted by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Brussels last week. In total, the three defendants were found guilty of evading €3.1 million in customs duties and were sentenced to a fine of over €15.5 million each.

OSAKA, Japan - Bicycle component manufacturer Shimano reports that demand for bicycles continued to be weak at the start of the year. In the first quarter of 2024, net sales decreased by double digits compared to last year. Also for the rest of the year the outlook will remain uncertain for Shimano.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Robotics specialist Da Shiang Automation (DSA) premiered a frictionless hub motor at this year's Taipei Cycle show. Entering the market under the brand name DTboost, the FMS01 hub motor features the DNGate Clutch System which allows the user to ride without resistance from the motor and gearbox when exceeding 25 km/h.

PARK City, Utah - Kona Bicycles was a noticeable last-minute absence at this week's Sea Otter event in California. The brand pulled down their booth on Wednesday and left the site raising concerns about the financial stability of the company. On Thursday, brand owner Kent Outdoors announced the appointment of a new CFO.